insurrection. A violent revolt against an oppressive authority, usu. a government. “Insurrection is distinguished from rout, riot, and offense connected with mob violence by the fact that in insurrection there is an organized and armed uprising against authority or operations of government, while crimes growing out of mob violence, however serious they may be and […]
breach of the peace. The criminal offense of creating a public disturbance or engaging in disorderly conduct, particularly by making an unnecessary or distracting noise. — Also termed breach of peace; disturbing the peace; disturbance of the peace; public disturbance. See disorderly conduct under CONDUCT. [Cases: Breach of the Peace 1–14. C.J.S. Breach of the
breach of the peace Read More »
A court that hears cases against nonviolent adults and juveniles, who are often first-time offenders and who are usu. charged with possession of a controlled substance or with committing a minor drug-related crime. • Drug courts focus on treatment rather than on incarceration.
persecution, n. Violent, cruel, and oppressive treatment directed toward a person or group of persons because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, politics, or other beliefs. See hate crime under CRIME. — persecute, vb.
mayhem (may-hem), n. 1. The crime of maliciously injuring a person’s body, esp. to impair or destroy the victim’s capacity for self-defense. • Modern statutes usu. treat this as a form of aggravated battery. See BATTERY. Cf. serious bodily injury under INJURY. [Cases: Mayhem 1. C.J.S. Mayhem §§ 2–6.] “Mayhem, according to the English common